Committee reviews consultant scope, subcommittee progress on bylaw comparisons and case law.
Earth Removal Bylaw Committee · Meeting of February 5, 2026
PLYMOUTH — Earth Removal Bylaw Review Committee deliberates consultant reduction and subcommittee findings. The committee heard public concern from Katherine Harrelson about missing cultural resource surveys at 71 Hedges Pond Road and from Heather Fillebrown about transparency and legal independence. Richard Serkey's Case Law subcommittee flagged positive elements from other towns including revegetation plans, test pit data, quarterly inspections, and cash performance guarantees; Norwell's bylaw entirely prohibits sand mining.
Eric Cody's Town by Town Comparison subcommittee has compiled 41 municipal bylaws using a template to identify best practices. Michelle Christensen was directed to trim the Horsley-Witten consultant proposal from $150,000 to fit the town's $75,000 allocation, and to draft an audit request to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Building Department for compliance review of all active earth removal projects. The committee approved unanimously a motion to send a letter to Inspectional Services regarding projects exceeding 10,000 cubic yards.
In the full story:
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Source: the Earth Removal Bylaw Committee meeting of February 5, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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